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Not all cholesterol is bad. Some forms of cholesterol
actually benefit our bodies.

Our bodies make two types of fat from the fats and sugars it
gets out of the food we eat. These are called triglycerides and
cholesterol.
When normal (150 mg/dl for triglycerides and 200 mg/dl for
cholesterol), the levels of both kinds of fat in our blood perform
important functions that keep us alive and healthy. When our blood
transports greater quantities of fat, that fat damages the walls of
our arteries like rust on the inside of metal water pipes. This
damage reduces the amount of room through which blood and water
should flow freely.

The Damaging Effects

As triglycerides, cholesterol, and calcium salts build up, the
damage is great, and the inner linings of the arteries lose their
perfect smoothness. This damage produces a reaction in some blood
components that lead to clots, which block the damaged artery
completely and render it useless.
If the blockage occurs in one of the arteries leading to the
heart, the heart muscle may die resulting in what we know as a
heart attack. If this blockage occurs in one of the arteries that
transport blood to the brain, a cerebro-vascular problem such as a
stroke may happen.

The Determining Factors

Many factors influence cholesterol. The limit of 200 milligrams
we mentioned earlier applies to total cholesterol and includes the
sum of cholesterol’s three main components: good cholesterol (HDL)
and bad cholesterols (LDL and VLDL).
Two people of the same gender, height, and age with 220
milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter in their blood may have
different probabilities of having heart attacks. The one with a
higher level of HDL (good cholesterol) will have a lower risk of a
heart attack than the other because HDL causes no harm and also
protects the body from the harm the other two can cause.

Not only should you want a normal total cholesterol level, but
you also want high HDL levels (at least 20 percent of the total)
and low LDL and VLDL levels. In addition to following a healthy
eating plan, get on a disciplined exercise program. Physical
exercise will increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in your
body. It will also reduce other risk factors such as stress,
obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

*
Dr. Lara-Pantin, a nutrition specialist, is Vice President of
Product Development for DrTango, Inc.